Leg stretch exercise device

ABSTRACT

A device for allowing a person to perform one or more leg stretch exercises. In one embodiment, the device comprises first and second bracket members. Each of the first and second bracket members comprise first and second support members and an upper support member. The upper support member of said first bracket member is connected to the first and second support members of the first bracket member. The upper support member of the second bracket member is connected to the first and second support members of the second bracket members. The upper support member of the first bracket member is engageable with the upper support member of the second bracket member to a use position where the first bracket member is substantially perpendicular to the second bracket member. First and second leg support members are removably engaged with the first and second support members of the first bracket member to support the leg of the person. Third and fourth leg support members are removably engaged with the first and second support members of the second bracket member to support the leg of the person. First and second handle members are removably engaged with the first and second support members of the first bracket member, respectively, to provide a structure for the person&#39;s hand to grasp and/or hold. Third and fourth handle members are removably engaged with the first and second support members of the second bracket member, respectively, to provide a structure for the person&#39;s hand to grasp and/or hold.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of application of and claimspriority to application Ser. No. 09/391,645, now pending, which is adivisional application of application Ser. No. 08/906,667, filed on Aug.7, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,451, which claims benefit toprovisional application Ser. No. 60/022,447 filed on Aug. 7, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to field of exerciseequipment.

[0003] Stretching of the major leg muscles such as the quadriceps, innerthighs, and calves are important for many reasons. Stretching of suchmuscles increases flexibility and reduces the risk of injury duringstrenuous use of the muscles, incurred, for example, while playingsports or lifting weights. Conventional stretching devices do not allowa person to stretch all of the major muscles on a single device that canbe used by a person in an easy, comfortable, and efficient manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A device for allowing a person to perform one or more leg stretchexercises. In one embodiment, the device comprises first and secondbracket members. Each of the first and second bracket members comprisefirst and second support members and an upper support member. The uppersupport member of said first bracket member is connected to the firstand second support members of the first bracket member. The uppersupport member of the second bracket member is connected to the firstand second support members of the second bracket members. The uppersupport member of the first bracket member is engageable with the uppersupport member of the second bracket member to a use position where thefirst bracket member is substantially perpendicular to the secondbracket member. First and second leg support members are removablyengaged with the first and second support members of the first bracketmember to support the leg of the person. Third and fourth leg supportmembers are removably engaged with the first and second support membersof the second bracket member to support the leg of the person. First andsecond handle members are removably engaged with the first and secondsupport members of the first bracket member, respectively, to provide astructure for the person's hand to grasp and/or hold. Third and fourthhandle members are removably engaged with the first and second supportmembers of the second bracket member, respectively, to provide astructure for the person's hand to grasp and/or hold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The following detailed description of the present invention willbe more fully understood with reference to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

[0006]FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a first embodiment of thestretching device;

[0007]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base member;

[0008]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base member;

[0009]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base member;

[0010]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention engaged witha secondary piece of exercise equipment such as a tread mill;

[0011]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable handle support;

[0012]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an adjustable foot support;

[0013]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a leg support;

[0014]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base support;

[0015]FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a second embodiment of thestretching device;

[0016]FIG. 11 is partial top view of the second embodiment of thestretching device;

[0017]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fixed foot support;

[0018]FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of a third embodiment of thestretching device;

[0019]FIGS. 15 and 16 are elevation views of the angle brackets of thethird embodiment; and

[0020]FIGS. 17 and 18 are various views showing a person performingvarious exercises in connection with the present invention; and

[0021]FIGS. 18 and 19 are color copies of photographs of additionalembodiments of the stretching device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1 wherein a first embodiment of the legstretching device 12 is shown disposed on a support surface or floor 10.The first embodiment of the leg stretching device 12 is intended for useby a single person. The first embodiment of the stretching device 10generally comprises a support member 14 which is vertically supported onthe floor 12 by a base member 22, a plurality of leg support members 72,a plurality of handle members 56, a and a for support member 86.

[0023] The support member 14 comprises a first end portion 16 and asecond end portion 18, and a plurality of spaced mounting holes 24. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 1, the base member 22 comprises a first leg 24, asecond leg 26 a third leg 28 and a mounting bracket 30 integrally formedinto a tripod configuration. Each of the legs 24, 26, and 28 have afirst and portion 29 connected to the mounting bracket 30 and a secondend portion 31 which is contact with the floor 10. The base member 22may be takes a variety of forms and configurations. By way of exampleonly, FIG. 2 shows the base member 22 in the form of a circular shapedhousing 31 having a bottom surface 32 a top surface 34 and a mountingbracket 30. FIG. 3 shows the base member 22 in the form of a U-shapedhousing 37 having a vertical support member 38, a mounting bracket 40, afirst leg portion 42 and a second leg portion 44. FIG. 4 shows the basemember 22 in the form a T-shaped housing 45 having a vertical supportmember 46, a mounting bracket 48, a first leg portion 50, a second legportion 52, and a third leg portion 54. In this embodiment, the basemember 22 allows the stretching device 10 to be attached to a secondaryexercise apparatus 55 such as tread mill by attaching the third leg 54to a platform or mounting bracket 57 of the secondary exercise apparatus55.

[0024] The handle members 56 comprises a rigid support or extensionmember 58 having a first end securely connected by conventional means tothe first end portion 16 of the support member 14. The handle members 56each further comprise a handle portion 60 preferably of a comfortablepolymer material which disposed about the opposite end of the rigidsupport of extension member 58. Handle members 56 are adapted to beeasily and comfortable grasped by the person. The handle members 56 maytake a variety of forms and configurations. By way of example only, andalthough show in FIG. 1 as being fixed to the support member 14, thehandle member 56 s shown in FIG. 6 may be adjustable mounted at variousportion of the support member 14. In this embodiment, the handle member56 comprises a bracket member 62, a rigid support 64, a handle portion66, mounting openings 68 and a pin 70. The handle member 56 isadjustable selected at various positions along the support member 14 bypassing pin 70 through mounting openings 68 and through any one of themounting openings 20 of the support member 14. With this embodiment, theuser may selected a comfortable height for the handle members 56.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the foot support member 86 generallycomprises a first end portion 88, a second end portion 90, and a footmounting portion 89. The first and second end portions 88 and 90 areattached to and spans across legs 26 and 24 of the base member 22,respectively, The leg support member 86 is adapted to support the weightof a person using the stretching device 10.The handle members 56 maytake a variety of forms and configurations. By way of example only, andalthough show in FIG. 1 as being fixed to the base member 22, the footsupport member 86 as shown in FIG. 7 may be adjustable mounted atvarious portions along the support member 14. In this embodiment, thefoot support member 86 comprises a bracket member 92, a mountingopenings 94, a pin 96, a extension portion 98 and a foot mountingportion 100. The foot support member 86 is adjustable selected atvarious positions along the support member 14 by passing pin 96 throughmounting openings 94 and through any one of the mounting openings 20 ofthe support member 14. With this embodiment, the user may selected acomfortable height for the foot support member 86.

[0026] Each of leg support members 72 may be selectively position alongthe vertical height of the support member 14 at any one of the openings20. Each of the leg support members 72 generally comprise a collar orbracket portion 72 encircling the support member 14, an arm or extensionportion 76 connected securely to and extending outward from the bracket72, and a leg support portion 78 connected securely to and extendingoutward from the extension portion 76. Each of the leg support portion78 are preferably of arcuate shape opening upwardly open such that apersons leg may be securely supported therein. Each of the leg supportportions 78 are preferably provided with pad or cushion material 83 forcomfort. Each of the leg supports 78 may be secured at a selectedposition along the support member 14 by use of a pin 74 which is passedthrough openings 75 in the bracket 73 and one of selected mounting holes20.

[0027] The leg support member 72 may take a variety of forms andconfigurations. By way of example only, the leg support member 72 maycomprise a one or mor retention members 80 which are adapted to preventthe leg support member 72 on the support member 14 while the userremoves to the pin 74 top re-position the leg support member and toallow the leg support member 72 to easily roll or slide along thesupport member 14. The retention member 80 is preferably of acylindrical hollow shape and is freely mounted to the bracket 73 byconventional means such as a bolt 82 passing through the internalcylindrical cavity of the retention member 80 and being secured by nut84. With the is design, the retention member 80 is free to rotate as theleg support member 72 is moved along the support member 14.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 9, the stretching device 10 of the firstembodiment may further comprise a base support member 102 securelyengageable with the legs 24, 26, and 28 of the base member 22 to therebyprovide increased stability for the stretching device 10 during use.Each of the base support members 102 comprise a bottom surface 104, atop surface 106 and a mounting bracket 108 extending upward from the topsurface 106 and adapted to securely receive the second end portions 31′of legs 24, 26, and 28. Second end portions 31 of the legs 24. 26, and28 and mounting bracket 108 may be mutually designed such that thesecond end portions 31 of legs 24, 26, and 28 encase the outer surface11 of the mounting bracket member 108 or such that the second endportions 31 of legs 24, 26, and 28 slide within a channel recess 110formed within the mounting bracket 108. The bottom surface 104 ispreferably substantially planar to provide a stable support on the floor10. Each of the base supports 102 may further comprise a mounting hole112 which is adapted to allow a fastener such as a bolt or screw tosecure the base support 102 to the floor 10.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 10, wherein a second embodiment of thestretching device 10 is shown having a three (3) support members114,116, and 118. Each of the support members 114, 116, and 118 have aupper end portion 120 and a lower end portion 122 and a plurality ofmounting holes disposed along the support member 114, 116, and 118. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 10, the upper end portions 120 of support member114, 116 and 118 are securely connected together to provide anon-collapsible structure. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the stretchingdevice may further comprise three (3) foot support members 126 (only oneis shown) having an upper mounting portion 130 and first and second endportions 132 and 134. Each of the first and second end portions 132 and134 are connected securely and fixed to the lower end portions 122 ofsupport members 114 and 116, support members 116 and 118 (not shown),and support members 118 and 114 (not shown). The foot support is adaptedto allow the user to support his weight and to provide additionalstability to the support members 114, 116, and 118.

[0030] The stretching device 12 of the second embodiment (FIG. 10) maybe designed in a variety of ways. By way of example only, the stretchingdevice 12 may be designed such that the user can easily fold or collapsethe stretching device 12 for storage and unfold or extend the stretchingdevice 12 when use is desired. As shown in FIG. 11, the stretchingdevice 10 may further comprise a fixed mounting bracket 140 having acentral housing portion 142 and three (3) bracket members 144 extendingoutward therefrom. The upper end portions 120 of support members 114,116, and 118 are rotatably connected to the bracket member 144 from aninward or storage position (not shown) to an outward or use position(FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 11, the foot support member 126 mayalternatively be removably attached to the support members 114 and 166.In this embodiment, the foot support member 126 further comprisesengagement members or protrusions 136 and 138 extending downward fromthe first and second end portions 132 and 134, respectively. Theengagement members 136 and 138 are adapted to removably and securelyengagement with mounting brackets 139 provided at the lower portion 122and on both sides of the support members 114, 116, and 118 (mountingbracket 139 is shown on only one side of support members 114, 116, and118).

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 13-16, wherein a third embodiment of thestretching device 12 is shown. In this embodiment, the stretching device12 generally comprises first and second angle brackets 146 and 180 whichwhen connected together form the basic structure of the stretchingdevice 12. As in the other embodiments, the stretching device 12 alsocomprises handle members 58 and leg support members 72, and foot supportmembers 126.

[0032] The first angle bracket 146 generally comprises a first supportmember 148, a second support member 158, an upper support bracket 168and a lower support bracket 174. The first support member 148 generallycomprises an upper end portion 150, a lower end portion 152, a pluralityof mounting holes 154 disposed along the support member 148, and amounting bracket 156 (only one shown) disposed on both sides of thelower end portion 152 of the first support member 148. The secondsupport member 158 generally comprises an upper end portion 160, a lowerend portion 162, a plurality of mounting holes 164 disposed along thesupport member 158, and a mounting bracket 166 (only one shown) disposedon both sides of the lower end portion 152 of the first support member158. The upper support bracket 168 generally comprises a first endportion 170 and a second end portion 172. The end portion 170 issecurely connected by conventional means (such as welding) to the upperend portion 160 of the support member 160, while the second end portion172 is connected by conventional means (such as welding) to the upperend portion 150 of the support member 148,The upper support bracket 168comprises a through hole 169 which as will be hereinafter describe disused to connect angle brackets 146 and 180. The lower support bracket174 generally comprises a first end portion 176 and a second end portion178. The end portion 176 is securely connected by conventional means(such as welding) to the lower end portion 162 of the support member160, while the second end portion 178 is connected by conventional means(such as welding) to the lower end portion 152 of the support member148. The lower support bracket 174 comprises a through hole 175 which aswill be hereinafter describe dis used to connect angle brackets 146 and180.

[0033] The second angle bracket 180 generally comprises a first supportmember 182, a second support member 200, an upper support bracket 210and a lower support bracket 216. The first support member 182 generallycomprises an upper end portion 184, a lower end portion 186, a pluralityof mounting holes 188 disposed along the support member 182, and amounting bracket 190 (only one shown) disposed on both sides of thelower end portion 186 of the first support member 182. The secondsupport member 200 generally comprises an upper end portion 202, a lowerend portion 204, a plurality of mounting holes 206 disposed along thesupport member 200, and a mounting bracket 208 (only one shown) disposedon both sides of the lower end portion 204 of the support member 200.The upper support bracket 210 generally comprises a first end portion212 and a second end portion 214, The end portion 212 is removebalyconnected by conventional means (such as bolts and nuts) to the upperend portion 202 of the support member 200, while the second end portion214 is removeably connected by conventional means (such as nuts andbolts) to the upper end portion 184 of the support member 182. The uppersupport bracket 210 comprises a through hole 211 which as will behereinafter describe dis used to connect angle brackets 146 and 180. Thelower support bracket 216 generally comprises a first end portion 218and a second end portion 220. The end portion 216 is securely connectedby conventional means (such as welding) to the lower end portion 204 ofthe support member 200, while the second end portion 220 is connected byconventional means (such as welding) to the lower end portion 186 of thesupport member 182. The lower support bracket 216 comprises a throughhole 217 which as will be hereinafter describe dis used to connect anglebrackets 146 and 180.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment, four (4) foot support members 126(FIG. 12) are used to removably attached and secure the first anglebracket 146 and the second angle bracket 180 to provide a stablestructure as well as to provide a mounting portion for the foot of theuser.

[0035] A first foot support member 126 removeably connects the lower endportion 162 of support member 158 of angle bracket 146 to the lower endportion 204 of support member 200 of angle bracket 180 by engagementmembers 136 and 138 be engaged with the mounting brackets 167 of supportmember 158 and mounting bracket 191 of support member 182, respectively.

[0036] A second foot support member 126 removeably connects the lowerend portion 162 of support member 158 of angle bracket 146 to the lowerend portion 186 of support member 182 of angle bracket 180 by engagementmembers 136 and 138 be engaged with the mounting brackets 190 of supportmember 182 and mounting bracket 157 of support member 148, respectively.

[0037] A third foot support member 126 removeably connects the lower endportion 186 of support member 182 of angle bracket 180 to the lower endportion 152 of support member 148 of angle bracket 148 by engagementmembers 136 and 138 be engaged with the mounting brackets 156 of supportmember 148 and mounting bracket 208 of support member 180, respectively.

[0038] A fourth support member 126 removeably connects the lower endportion 152 of support member 14 of angle bracket 146 to the lower endportion 204 of support member 200 of angle bracket 180 by engagementmembers 136 and 138 be engaged with the mounting brackets 209 of supportmember 180 and mounting bracket 166 of support member 158, respectively.

[0039] To assemble the stretching device 10 of the third embodiment(FIG. 13-16), the upper support bracket 210 is removed from the secondangle bracket 180. Thereafter, the second angle bracket 180 is insertedinto the first angle bracket 146 such the lower mounting bracket 216 anddisposed above and in contact with the lower mounting bracket 174 of thefirst angle bracket 146. Thereafter, a bolt (not shown) is passedthrough openings 175 and 217 of lower support brackets 174 and 216,respectively, to thereby partially secure the first angle bracket 146 tothe second angle bracket 180. Thereafter, the upper support bracket 210of the second angle bracket 180 is re-installed to the support members182 and 200 whereby the upper support bracket 210 disposed above and incontact with the upper mounting bracket 168 of the first angle bracket146. Thereafter, a bolt (not shown) is passed through openings 169 and211 of upper support brackets 168 and 210, respectively, to therebysecure the first angle bracket 146 to the second angle bracket 180:Thereafter, connect of the four foot support members 126 as previouslydescribed will provide for a secure and stable structure.

[0040] With general reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a person may stretchvarious muscles of the leg using any one of the embodiments of thestretching device 12 heretofore described. In use of any of the variousembodiments of the stretching device 12, the person may adjust the legsupport 72 and/or the hand support 58 (if adjustable version isprovided) to a desired height above the floor 12. As shown in FIGS. 17and 18, a person may perform multiple leg stretching exercises andmultiple upper body stretching exercises. While the first embodiment ofstretching device 12 (FIG. 1) is intended for a single person, thestretching device 12 of the second embodiment (FIG. 10) and of the thirdembodiment (FIGS. 13 and 14) enables several people to exercisesimultaneously.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, wherein another embodiment of thestretching device 10 is shown comprising a first support member 250, asecond support member 252, a third support member 254, and a fourthsupport member 256. Each of the first, second, third and fourth supportmembers 250, 252, 254, and 256 further comprise first and secondmounting portions 258 and 260. Each of the first, second, third, andfourth support members 250, 252, 254, and 256 further comprise a legsupport member 262 moveable by the person from the first mountingportion 258 to the second mounting portion 260. The first support member250 is engaged to the second support member 252. The second supportmember 252 is engaged to the third support member 254. The third supportmember 254 is engaged to the fourth support member 256. The fourthsupport member 256 is engaged to the first support member 250.

[0042] The foregoing description is intended primarily for purposes ofillustration. This invention may be embodied in other forms or carriedout in other ways without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. Modifications and variations still falling within the spiritor the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of skillin the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for allowing a person to perform one ormore leg stretch exercises comprising first and second bracket members,each of said first and second bracket members comprises first and secondsupport members and an upper support member, said upper support memberof said first bracket member is connected to said first and secondsupport members of said first bracket member, said upper support memberof said second bracket member is connected to said first and secondsupport members of said second bracket members, said upper supportmember of said first bracket member is engageable with said uppersupport member of said second bracket member to a use position wheresaid first bracket member is substantially perpendicular to said secondbracket member, a first leg support member removably engaged with saidfirst support member of said first bracket member to support the leg ofthe person.
 2. The device of claim 1 , where each of said first andsecond bracket members comprise a lower support member.
 3. The device ofclaim 2 , wherein said lower support member of said first bracket memberbeing connected to said first and second support members of said firstbracket member.
 4. The device of claim 3 , wherein said lower supportmember of said second bracket member is connected to said first andsecond support members of said second bracket member.
 5. The device ofclaim 4 , wherein said lower support member of said first bracket memberis engageable with said lower support member of said second bracketmember to a use position where said first bracket member issubstantially perpendicular to said second bracket member.
 6. The deviceof claim 5 , wherein said upper support member of said first bracket isshorter than said lower support member of said second bracket.
 7. Thedevice of claim 7 , wherein each of said first and second supportmembers of said first and second bracket members comprise an upperportion, a lower portion, and an end portion.
 8. The device of claim 7 ,wherein said lower support member of said first bracket member isconnected to said lower portion of said first and second support membersof said first bracket member.
 9. The device of claim 8 , wherein saidlower support member of said second bracket member is connected to saidlower portion of said first and second support members of said secondbracket member.
 10. The device of claim 9 , wherein said upper supportmember of said first bracket member is connected to said upper portionof said first and second support members of said first bracket member.11. The device of claim 10 , wherein said upper support member of saidsecond bracket member is connected to said upper portion of said firstand second support members of said second bracket member.
 12. The deviceof claim 11 , further comprising a second leg support member removablyengaged with said second support member of said first bracket member tosupport the leg of the person.
 13. The device of claim 12 , furthercomprising a third leg support member removably engaged with firstsupport member of said first bracket member to support the leg of theperson.
 14. The device of claim 13 , further comprising a fourth legsupport member removably engaged with first support member of said firstbracket member to support the leg of the person.
 15. The device of claim14 , further comprising a first handle member connected to said firstsupport member of said first bracket.
 16. The device of claim 15 ,further comprising a second handle member connected to said secondsupport member of said first bracket.
 17. The device of claim 16 ,further comprising a third handle member connected to said first supportmember of said second bracket member.
 18. The device of claim 17 ,further comprising a fourth handle member connected to said secondsupport member of said second bracket member.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein said first bracket member is of unitary construction.
 20. Thedevice of claim 19 , wherein said second bracket member is of unitaryconstruction.